Does Size Matter in HVAC?

May 26, 2018

The HVAC system in your Homewood, Alabama, home helps maintain a comfortable temperature, even when the seasons change. HVAC systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, leading many people to wonder how much the size matters when it comes to heating and cooling. The answer is that the size of your system actually does matter quite a bit. HVAC size can impact installation costs, monthly bills, overall comfort, and efficiency.

Installation Costs

The cost of installation of an HVAC system may not be as big of a factor for many customers, especially if they aren’t looking to replace an outdated system or install a new system. However, HVAC equipment isn’t designed to last forever. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 10-15 years, and that estimate is based on owners who keep up with regular maintenance. When the time comes to replace your HVAC unit, it’s important to hire a technician who understands the impact of the system’s size.

The size of the heating and cooling system will impact the price, which is why some budget-conscious homeowners choose smaller units. A larger unit will cost more upfront, but there is more at stake than just the cost at the time of installation. If you have a large, spacious home, a small unit won’t offer the same level of heating and cooling as a bigger unit, leading to issues with hot and cold spots, poor efficiency, and higher bills. Although the initial investment is worth considering, it shouldn’t be the only thing you think about as you decide on a new system.

Monthly Bills

The size of your HVAC unit also impacts your monthly heating and cooling bills. When your unit is too large for the space, it will typically cycle on and off more frequently, leading to higher bills. On the other hand, a small unit will often have to run more frequently and stay on for longer periods of time in order to get to the temperature you set on your thermostat.

A unit that is substantially smaller than it should be may not produce enough heated or cooled air to reach that temperature but will continuously run in an attempt to get there. This also leads to increased bills. It’s important to choose an HVAC system that is properly sized, based on the square footage and layout of the home, as well as the needs of the household.

Overall Comfort

Comfort is an important consideration when you’re deciding to replace or install a new heating and cooling system. The purpose of your HVAC is to keep a comfortable temperature, even when it’s blazing hot during the summer or freezing during the winter. An improperly sized HVAC will struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, especially if the unit is too small. As a result, you will likely spend more on monthly energy bills but be stuck in a space that is often too hot or too cold.

You could also notice issues with moisture levels since the central air conditioning system helps remove excess humidity. Too much moisture makes your home’s interior feel muggy and unpleasant. It can also cause damage to wood flooring, drywall, furniture, electronics, and other items you have in your house.

Efficiency

Efficiency is one of the most critical things to consider as you decide which HVAC system will work best in your home. The efficiency of a heating and cooling system refers to how well it can heat and cool the air, and then how easily it can move the air through the ducts and vents to maintain a comfortable atmosphere.

Every HVAC unit comes with an efficiency rating and higher ratings are more efficient. However, you’ll also pay a bit more for high-efficiency options, so think about that as you make your decision. Although the upfront cost may be higher, you can save quite a bit of money over the lifespan of a highly-rated furnace or air conditioner. Even a highly-rated system, however, won’t function efficiently if it isn’t sized for the right home.

Our technicians at Skelton’s Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration know that size matters when it comes to HVAC, so contact us for a quote at 205-277-6055.